Cape Argus 2011 results: Tyler Day edges Malcolm Lange

Tyler Day is the winner of the 2011 Cape Argus Pick n Pay Cycle Tour, pipping his Team Bonitas partner, last year’s winner Malcolm Lange, at the post. Herman Fouche of DCM finished third. Day, 21, crossed the line in 2:32:10 to claim his first Cape Argus Pick n Pay Cycle Tour title.

Thousands of spectators screamed wildly at the finish line in the Cape Town suburb of Green Point, as a large bunch of cyclists gave their all in an exiting conclusion to the 109km challenge.

The elite riders departed Adderley Street in Cape Town at 06h15 and pedaled rapidly to Cape Point and back around Chapman’s Peak, passing superbly scenic locations like Llandudno, Camps Bay and Clifton on their way to the finish.

For 37-year-old Lange, the result was a fitting end to a career that has spanned 20 years and included an amazing 409 road race wins. While Lange would have loved to defend his title (he even beat Lance Armstorng at last year’s event), he has spoken a lot lately about how his focus has changed to mentoring younger riders, and Day’s win made Lange very proud.

“I’m very happy with that,” said Lange with a big smile shortly after finishing.

Lange represented South Africa as a road cyclist at the 1992 Olympic Games in Barcelona, while he was still a schoolboy. He has been an excellent example to young cyclists and will continue to play a role in developing cycling stars for the future. Read more about his retirement plans in his interview with IOL.

The 2011 Cape Argus Pick n Pay Cycle Tour women’s race was won by Chrise Taylor of Team USN, in a time of 2:49:45. Second was Ashleigh Moolman Pasio of Nashua Toyota and third was Catherine Williamson of Team Bizhub.

The elite riders finish in a bunch after a fierce sprint. Photo by Roy Barford

Malcolm Lange with his wife and children after finishing his final professional cycling event. Photo by Roy Barford